Multi-channel control system for controlling multiple smart windows

Abstract

The present invention relates to a multi-channel control system for controlling smart windows, and more particularly to a multi-channel control system for controlling a plurality of smart windows using multiple channels. Therefore, the unit control module for controlling the discoloration of at least two smart windows of the present invention includes: communication means for receiving control data for controlling the discoloration of the smart windows from a wireless router or a main control module communicatively connected to an external control server; at least two communication channel means respectively connected to the smart windows for which discoloration control is requested, the communication channel means providing information regarding a voltage application time point for applying a voltage to control the discoloration of the smart windows, a voltage application end point for interrupting the voltage application, and a time point for measuring the voltage of the smart windows; and control means for controlling to provide the information provided to the at least two communication channel means at different timings from each other.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a multi-channel control system for controlling smart windows, and more particularly to a multi-channel control system for controlling the color change of a plurality of smart windows using multiple channels. [Background technology]

[0002] In general, the glass industry is currently trying to produce better quality materials by modifying the properties of existing glass, based on the use of energy-saving and environmentally friendly materials. Furthermore, the need for glass that can artificially adjust the transmittance of visible light is emerging, and a new material called smart window glass is gaining attention.

[0003] A smart window is a glass window that changes its light transmittance according to the magnitude of the voltage. That is, when the outdoor temperature rises, the glass window's transmittance decreases, blocking radiant heat from the sun. When the outdoor temperature drops, the glass window's transmittance increases, allowing solar radiation to enter the room and raising the indoor temperature with solar radiant heat.

[0004] Smart windows are environmentally friendly and enable efficient energy use by reducing cooling and heating loads. They also improve the quality of life for users by creating safe and comfortable residential and urban environments. Smart windows are also a functional alternative that can be applied in a variety of ways, not only in buildings but also in industry (information display boards, product displays) and transportation (sunroofs).

[0005] In developed countries such as the United States, Japan, and Europe, smart windows have come into the spotlight as next-generation, highly functional, high-value-added products, and research and development of products using smart materials is being actively carried out for use in energy-saving intelligent buildings, windows for various means of transportation, large display elements, and more. Products being developed include interior partitions using liquid crystal materials and automotive mirrors using electrochromic glass. In Korea, basic research is being conducted on films using liquid crystals, among other materials, at research institutes and other institutions. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to propose a multi-channel control system for controlling the color change of multiple smart windows. Another problem to be solved by the present invention is to propose a multi-channel control system that controls the color change of multiple smart windows using wireless communication. Another problem to be solved by the present invention is to propose a multi-channel control system that controls the color change of multiple smart windows using time-division communication. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] For this reason, the unit control module for controlling the color change of at least two smart windows of the present invention includes: a communication means for receiving control data for controlling the color change of the smart window from a wireless router connected to an external control server or a main control module; at least two communication channel means each connected to a smart window for which color change control is required, and providing information regarding the voltage application time point for applying voltage to control the color change of the smart window, the voltage application end point for stopping the voltage application, and the time point for measuring the voltage of the smart window; and a control means for controlling the information provided to the at least two communication channel means to be provided at different times. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] The multi-channel control system for controlling multiple smart windows according to the present invention uses a single unit to control the color changes of multiple smart windows, and in particular, controls the smart windows wirelessly, making installation easy.

[0009] In addition, since the present invention controls the color changes of multiple smart windows using time division communication, it has the advantage that smart windows whose color changes are controlled can be easily added by adjusting the divided time. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 illustrates a multi-channel control system for controlling a smart window according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 illustrates a multi-channel control system for controlling a smart window according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 illustrates a multi-channel control system for controlling smart windows according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 illustrates a unit control module for controlling a smart window according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] 4 is a flowchart illustrating operations performed by a unit control module according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a configuration for measuring the voltage of a smart window using a control means according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a procedure for a main control module according to an embodiment of the present invention to communicate with a plurality of unit control modules by time division. [Figure 8] 1 is a diagram illustrating a network for controlling smart windows using multiple channels according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The foregoing and additional aspects of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0014] In the following, these embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail so that those skilled in the art can easily understand and reproduce them.

[0012] 1 is a diagram showing a multi-channel control system for controlling a smart window according to an embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, the multi-channel control system for controlling a smart window according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 1.

[0013] 1, the multi-channel control system for controlling smart windows includes a control server, a main control module, a unit control module, and a sensor. Of course, in addition to the above-mentioned components, other components may be included in the multi-channel control system for smart windows proposed in the present invention.

[0014] 1, a unit control module 110 is formed for each smart window, and a plurality of unit control modules 110 positioned in a specific direction are connected to a main control module 120. The main control module 120 is connected to an internal illuminance sensor, an external illuminance sensor, an internal temperature sensor, and an external temperature sensor, and receives the illuminance and temperature measured by each sensor.

[0015] The unit control module 110 controls the magnitude of the current supplied to each smart window based on the control data of the main control module 120. The unit control module 110 supplies different voltages (currents) to each smart window according to the characteristics of each smart window provided by the main control module 120, and the smart window changes color depending on the supplied voltage.

[0016] The control server 130 is connected to the main control module 120 and sets the voltage to be supplied to the smart windows. That is, the color of the smart windows changes depending on the magnitude of the voltage supplied to the smart windows. In accordance with the present invention, the control server 130 sets the voltage to be supplied to the smart windows according to the set mode, while the unit control modules 110 fine-tune the voltage set by the control server 130 according to the characteristics of each smart window supplied from the main control module. That is, the unit control modules 110 control the supply of the fine-tuned voltage to the smart windows. More specifically, the unit control modules 110 control the supply of the fine-tuned voltage to each smart window to prevent color differences due to the unique characteristics of each smart window.

[0017] 2 shows a multi-channel control system for controlling a smart window according to another embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, the multi-channel control system for controlling a smart window according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 2.

[0018] 2, the multi-channel control system for smart windows includes a control server 130, a wireless router 210, a unit control module 110, and a sensor (not shown). Of course, in addition to the above-mentioned components, other components may be included in the multi-channel control system for smart windows proposed in the present invention.

[0019] In particular, Fig. 2 shows a case where data is transmitted and received wirelessly in a specific section. According to Fig. 2, the multi-channel control system proposes a wireless router 210, which transmits control data provided by the control server 130 to the unit control module 110. In particular, Fig. 2 differs from Fig. 1 in that the main control unit is omitted.

[0020] The unit control module 110 supplies different voltages (currents) to each smart window depending on the characteristics of each smart window provided. While FIG. 2 illustrates wireless communication between the wireless router 210 and the unit control module 110, this is not limiting. The wireless router 210 and the unit control module 110 can also transmit and receive control data via wired communication.

[0021] The sensors include an internal light sensor, an external light sensor, an internal temperature sensor, and an external temperature sensor, and information collected by the sensors is provided to the unit control module or the main control module.

[0022] In addition, the control system may include an SMPS and a terminal. That is, the terminal is connected to the unit control module, and the SMPS controls the voltage supplied to the unit control module via the terminal. Of course, the unit control module controls one smart window.

[0023] 3 shows a multi-channel control system for controlling a smart window according to another embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, the multi-channel control system for controlling a smart window according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

[0024] 3, the multi-channel control system for smart windows includes a control server, a wireless router, a unit control module, and a sensor (not shown). Of course, in addition to the above-mentioned components, other components may be included in the multi-channel control system for smart windows proposed in the present invention.

[0025] In particular, Fig. 3 shows a case where control data is transmitted or received wirelessly in a specific section. According to Fig. 3, the multi-channel control system proposes a wireless router 210, which transmits control data provided by the control server 130 to the unit control modules using the wireless router 210. In particular, Fig. 3 differs from Fig. 1 in that the main control unit is omitted, and one unit control module 110 controls the tinting of multiple smart windows.

[0026] The unit control module 110 supplies different voltages (currents) to each smart window according to the characteristics of each smart window provided. While FIG. 3 illustrates wireless communication between the wireless router and the unit control module, this is not limiting. The wireless router and the unit control module can also transmit and receive control data via wired communication.

[0027] The sensors include an internal light sensor, an external light sensor, an internal temperature sensor, and an external temperature sensor, and information collected by the sensors is provided to the unit control module or the main control module.

[0028] In addition, the control system may include an SMPS and a terminal, i.e., the terminal is connected to the unit control module, and the SMPS controls the voltage supplied to the unit control module via the terminal.

[0029] 4 shows a unit control module for controlling a smart window according to one embodiment of the present invention. The unit control module according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIG.

[0030] In particular, FIG. 4 shows a configuration in which a unit control module controls the color change of a plurality of smart windows, and the unit control module controls the color change of the smart windows using a plurality of channels.

[0031] 4, the unit control module includes a communication means 110a, a control means 110b, and a plurality of communication channel means 110c. The communication means 110a includes a wireless communication means or a wired communication means and receives control data for smart window tinting from the outside. The communication means provides the received control data to the control means.

[0032] The control means 110b controls the color change of the smart window using the communication channel means 110c that communicates with the smart window based on the received control data. In addition, in the present invention, a communication channel means 110c is provided for each smart window, and the control means 110b controls the color change of the smart window using a time-division communication method. For example, the color change of the first smart window is controlled using the first communication channel means during a first time period, the color change of the second smart window is controlled using the second communication channel means during a second time period, the color change of the third smart window is controlled using the third communication channel means during a third time period, and the color change of the fourth smart window is controlled using the fourth communication channel means during a fourth time period. As described above, the unit control module communicates with the multiple smart windows in a time-sharing manner to control the color changes of the smart windows.

[0033] 5 is a flowchart showing the operation performed by the unit control module according to one embodiment of the present invention. The operation performed by the unit control module according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIG.

[0034] 5 shows that the unit control module communicates with four smart windows, and therefore communicates with each of the multiple smart windows using four channels. That is, the unit control module manages the four channels by time-division communication using multiple communication channel means. The following describes the operations performed by the control means of the unit control module.

[0035] The control means communicates with the smart window using the first to fourth communication channel means. The process of controlling the color change of the first smart window using the first communication channel means will be described below. In step S500, the control means enters the color change mode of the smart window. In step S502, the control means sets a voltage to be applied to the first smart window to control the color change of the first smart window. In step S504, the control means controls the first communication channel means to apply the set applied voltage. In step S506, if the voltage application time has elapsed, the control means interrupts the voltage application in step S508. In step S510, the control means controls to measure the voltage applied for the color change of the smart window.

[0036] In step S512, the control means compares the voltage measured in step S510 with the voltage set in step S502, and if the measured voltage is equal to or within a set range, the control means enters the maintenance mode and waits for a certain period of time. Of course, after waiting for a certain period of time, the control means measures the voltage applied to change the color of the smart window.

[0037] If the measured voltage is lower than the set range of the set voltage, the control means proceeds to step S504 to increase the voltage to the set voltage for changing the color of the smart window.

[0038] In this way, the control means controls the color change of the first smart window using the first communication channel means, and also controls the color changes of the second smart window through the fourth smart window using the second communication channel means through the fourth communication channel means.

[0039] 6 shows a configuration for measuring the voltage of a smart window using control means according to one embodiment of the present invention. The configuration for measuring the voltage of a smart window will be described below with reference to FIG.

[0040] 6, the configuration for measuring the voltage of a smart window includes a plurality of relays and an operational amplifier (OP Amp). The first and second relays are connected in series, and the third and fourth relays are also connected in series. The first and second relays are connected in series and are connected in parallel with the third and fourth relays which are also connected in series.

[0041] The voltage is supplied to the first relay and the third relay, and the voltage is supplied to one side of the smart window from the connection point between the first relay and the second relay, and the voltage is supplied to the other side of the smart window from the connection point between the third relay and the fourth relay.

[0042] To charge the smart window, the first and fourth relays are turned on (ON) and the second and third relays are turned off (OFF). To discharge the smart window, the second and third relays are turned on (ON) and the first and fourth relays are turned off (OFF).

[0043] When measuring the voltage of the smart window, the first to fourth relays are turned off and the voltage is measured using operational amplifier differential amplification.

[0044] 7 shows a procedure for a control means according to one embodiment of the present invention to communicate with a plurality of smart windows by time division using a communication channel means. Hereinafter, the procedure for a control means according to one embodiment of the present invention to communicate with a plurality of smart windows by time division using a communication channel means will be described with reference to FIG.

[0045] As described above, the application time and input voltage for applying the voltage differ for each channel, and the time required to reach the set voltage set according to the characteristics of the smart window also differs.

[0046] 7, channels 1 to 4 control the voltage application request time, voltage interruption request time, and voltage measurement time in a time division manner. Also, if the measured voltage is equal to the set voltage, the present invention enters a maintenance mode for a certain period of time to maintain the color change of the smart window.

[0047] In the context of the present invention, the interval between the required voltage application and the required voltage interruption depends on the characteristics of the smart window, such as the size of the smart window, the amount and composition of electrolyte injected into the smart window film, the characteristics of the process by which the smart window is produced, whether it is a fast or slow color change, and so on. discoloration The interval between the time when voltage application is requested and the time when voltage interruption is requested varies depending on the above factors.

[0048] Other cases where the interval between the time when voltage application is required and the time when voltage interruption is required must be relatively short include when the electrolyte components have aged due to prolonged use, when there are many discoloration steps (to prevent the voltage levels for each step from interfering with each other), when the illumination is strong, when there is a large change in transmittance, or when a relatively high voltage is applied (to protect the discoloration film).

[0049] 8 shows a network for controlling smart windows using multiple channels according to an embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, a process for controlling smart windows using multiple channels will be described with reference to FIG. 8.

[0050] 8, the network for controlling smart windows includes a control server and a wireless router. Of course, in addition to the above-mentioned components, other components may be included in the network for controlling smart windows proposed in the present invention.

[0051] The control server is connected to the wireless router via a router, and the control server and the wireless router are connected by wire, and the wireless router is connected to the unit control module wirelessly.

[0052] The wireless router is wirelessly connected to multiple unit control modules. In Figure 8, one wireless router is wirelessly connected to the first unit control module IP_1 through the n-th unit control module IP-n. The unit control module controls the color changes of four smart windows using channels 1 through 4. Of course, the number of smart windows whose color changes are controlled varies depending on the number of channels of the unit control module.

[0053] The route for commanding the color change control of the smart window in the control server includes the unique identification information and channel identification information of the wireless router, such as "Send(Group_A+IP_1, Protocol_Ch2)".

[0054] While the present invention has been described with reference to one embodiment shown in the drawings, this is by way of example only, and those skilled in the art will recognize that various modifications and equivalent alternative embodiments are possible. [Industrial Applicability]

[0055] The present invention relates to a multi-channel control system for controlling smart windows, and more particularly to a multi-channel control system for controlling the color change of multiple smart windows using multiple channels.

[0056] The multi-channel control system for controlling multiple smart windows according to the present invention uses a single unit to control the color changes of multiple smart windows, and in particular, controls the smart windows wirelessly, making installation easy.

[0057] In addition, since the present invention controls the color changes of multiple smart windows using time division communication, it has the advantage that smart windows whose color changes are controlled can be easily added by adjusting the divided time. [Explanation of symbols]

[0058] 110 Unit Control Module 110a Means of communication 110b control means 110c Communication channel means 120 Main Control Module 130 Control Server 210 Wireless Router

Claims

1. a unit control module for controlling tinting of at least two smart windows, the unit control module comprising: A communication means for receiving control data for controlling the color change of the smart window from a wireless router connected to an external control server or a main control module; At least two communication channel means respectively connected to the smart window, the communication channel means receiving information from the control means regarding a voltage application time point for applying a voltage to control the color change of the smart window, a voltage application end point for stopping the voltage application, and a time point for measuring the voltage of the smart window, and outputting the information to the smart window; and control means for controlling the information provided to the at least two communication channel means to be provided at different times from each other.

2. The control means When the set voltage, which is the control data for the color change of the smart window, is received via communication means, sequentially providing a voltage application time point and a voltage application end point to said communication channel means; The unit control module of claim 1 , further comprising a step of requesting measurement and provision of the voltage of the smart window after providing the voltage application endpoint.

3. The control means 3. The unit control module of claim 2, wherein if the measured voltage of the smart window provided from the communication channel means is lower than a set voltage, a voltage application time point and a voltage application end point are provided to the communication channel means in sequence.

4. The voltage of the smart window is a first relay and a third relay formed on one side of the smart window; a second relay and a fourth relay formed on the other side of the smart window; and 3. The unit control module according to claim 2, wherein the measurement is performed using an operational amplifier having inputs connected to one side and the other side of the smart window.

5. When charging the smart window with a voltage, the first relay and the fourth relay are turned on, and the second relay and the third relay are turned off; When discharging voltage to the smart window, the first relay and the fourth relay are turned off, and the second relay and the third relay are turned on; The unit control module according to claim 4, wherein the first to fourth relays are turned off when measuring the voltage of the smart window.

6. The control means The unit control module of claim 2, characterized in that the time between the voltage application start point and the voltage application end point is relatively short when the electrolyte component of the smart window ages, when there are relatively many discoloration steps, when the illumination is strong, when the change in transmittance of the smart window is relatively large, or when a relatively high voltage is applied.

7. A unit control module according to any one of claims 1 to 6; at least two smart windows connected to at least two communication channel means of said unit control module; a control server that transmits control data for smart window tinting to the unit control modules.

8. 10. The multi-channel smart window tint system of claim 7, further comprising an internal illuminance sensor, an external illuminance sensor, an internal temperature sensor, and an external temperature sensor, and the illuminance and temperature measured by each sensor are provided to the unit control module.

9. the internal illuminance sensor measures the internal illuminance of the smart window; the external illuminance sensor measures the external illuminance of the smart window; the interior temperature sensor measures the interior temperature of the smart window; The multi-channel smart window color changing system of claim 8, wherein the external temperature sensor measures the external temperature of the smart window.

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